Physical Therapy

Nature of the Work

Physical Therapists are dynamic health professionals who provide clinical expertise in the restoration, maintenance and promotion of optimal physical function. Physical Therapists evaluate and treat people of all ages with movement disorders and other health problems resulting from diseases, disorders, conditions or injuries. The treatment goals of Physical Therapists include making patients stronger, relieving their pain, helping them to regain and maintain maximum human performance, and educating patients on proper health maintenance. Treatment may include therapeutic exercise, cardiovascular endurance training, and training in activities of daily living.

Employment and Salaries

Physical Therapists are employed in hospitals, private physical therapy offices, community health centers, industrial health centers, sports facilities, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, schools, research institutions, or teach in colleges or universities. They work with other healthcare providers such as physicians, occupational therapists, nurses, mental health professionals, and speech pathologists and audiologists. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, in 2021, about 238,800 jobs were held by physical therapists in the U.S. The median salary for a physical therapist in May of 2021 was $95,620 depending on position, years of experience, degree of education, geographic location, and practice setting.

Education

There are currently 301 accredited programs. Since 2016, all physical therapy schools offer a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT). There are currently 18 Physical Therapy programs in California. Accredited DPT programs in CA include Azusa Pacific University, Chapman University, Loma Linda University, Mount St. Mary’s College, Samuel Merritt College, University of California, San Francisco/ San Francisco State, University of Southern California, University of the Pacific, CSU Fresno , CSU Long Beach, CSU Northridge , and CSU Sacramento, Western University, San Diego State University, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, West Coast University, Southern California University of Health Sciences.

Undergraduate Major

The two most common majors are Biology/Physiological science and Kinesiology/Exercise Science. Which of the two majors above a student should choose is determined by the prerequisites of the DPT programs to which a student chooses to apply.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements vary by program, but most admissions committees are very selective and are looking for specific prerequisite courses, strong academic and prerequisite course records, quality letters of recommendation, and work or volunteer experience in the field as indicators of potential to succeed. Some schools in California do not require a GRE, such as USC, Samuel Merritt University, San Francisco State, Western University of Health Sciences, and Southern California University of Health Sciences. Most programs require a student to have at least a 3.0 cumulative and prerequisite GPA, although the average GPA for accepted students may be higher. Increasingly, programs are also requiring applicants to have paid or volunteer experience in one or more physical therapy settings and may ask that a student have adult CPR certification. Admission requirements can vary widely from program to program. Most programs require Anatomy, Physiology, the year-long sequences of General Chemistry and Physics, all with laboratory plus courses in Psychology and Mathematics. Many programs also have additional required and strongly suggested courses.